An Overview of the Indian Homoeopathic Medicine Industry

 

Abstract

The Indian Homoeopathic Medicine industry, introduced in the 19th century, has grown into a significant part of the country's Healthcare system, recognized as a national system of medicine, with a large number of practitioners and a substantial market size.  Homeopathy initially flourished in Bengal, with Calcutta becoming a center for Homoeopathic practice and education. Homoeopathy has become the third most popular method of medical treatment in India, after Allopathy and Ayurveda, with a large number of registered Homoeopathic doctors and a growing market. 

Introduction

The Homoeopathic Medicinal Manufacturing industries are regulated by Drug and control act. The qualities of raw materials and finished standards are mentioned in Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India which is published by Ministry of Health and family welfare. ⁽¹⁾ The Industry has shown remarkable growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for alternative and natural therapies. It benefits from a strong historical foundation, widespread acceptance among the public, and an expanding network of Homoeopathic practitioners. With India being one of the largest producers and consumers of Homoeopathic medicines globally, the sector offers significant potential for both domestic growth and export opportunities.

However, challenges such as regulatory concerns, standardization issues, and competition from other alternative medicine systems remain. Despite these hurdles, the future of the industry looks promising, driven by ongoing research, technological advancements, and rising consumer awareness regarding the benefits of Homoeopathy.

Global Market

The system of Homoeopathy is very popular in India even though it is originated in Germany. The Indian Homoeopathic medicinal industry plays vital role in global market. The number of Homoeopathic practitioners is very high in India

The trend has shifted towards Homoeopathy due to the fear of side effect of allopathic medicine. There is growing popularity in alternative medicine because of various reasons. Firstly due to its perceived, either potentially beneficial or pernicious, effects on individual health or society. Secondly, a high tech medicine does not care or pay attention to the patient's belief. Thirdly medical cost has increased fifteen fold in past thirty years with only 40% being served with adequate medical care.

Currently, USA, Germany and United Kingdom are the countries to which India is exporting Homoeopathic product. India is also importing from these countries. Our major export destination of Homoeopathic products is Germany, which accounts for 90% to 95 % of our exports. For USA our exports have been increasing since 1992-93. Among developing countries where we export are Russia, Ukraine and Sri Lanka. In Russia 20% of medical care is based on the system of Homeopathy. ⁽¹⁾

Homeopathy in Public Health in India

In India, Homoeopathy is well represented in public health, being a close second among the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) services. Homeopathy wellness centers comprise 31% of the total for AYUSH. Seven out of 10 diseases recognized as a national health burden are in the category of most commonly reported diseases at the homeopathy wellness centres.

Academic Homoeopathy institutes comprise 35.8% of AYUSH colleges, the total student intakes of which are 13,658 and 32,256 respectively. Homoeopathy practitioners are 37% of the AYUSH total. Homeopathy units comprise 1/19th of the number of Allopathy units, yet the annual patient footfall in the former is 1/5th of the latter. ⁽²⁾

 

Implementation of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy

Overall implementation status of ISM&H Policy was found to be ‘Excellent’. Government has largely focused on issues of research, medicinal plants, drug standardization and quality control as these yield profits in global market.

Education and integration of AYUSH with mainstream health system were found to be on priority list of government for implementation but a still lot is to be done. Range of options for utilization of AYUSH manpower and referral system was found to be rudimentary. No protocol was found for goal oriented role and responsibility to the ISM workforce.

Use of AYUSH in Veterinary medicine emerged as one of most unexplored area despite of recognition in policy. Emphasis on ‘Home remedies’ and ‘Promotion of diet based on Ayurvedic and Naturopathy approach’ was inadequate. Scarcity of funds emerged as major factor to hinder the implementation of ISM&H Policy. Efforts to enhance medical tourism through AYUSH were limited to only specific states. Government should support ISM&H by a significant increase in budget. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) approach is needed. Each system must focus in their strong points^{. (3)}

Herbal Medicine for Market Potential in India

India is sitting on a gold mine of well-recorded and Well-practiced knowledge of traditional herbal medicine. The basic requirements for gaining entry into developed countries include well-documented traditional use, Single-plant medicines, Medicinal plants free from pesticides, heavy metals etc.

Standardization based on chemical and activity profile and Safety and stability. Herbal drug development is possible only through the development of standardized herbal products. The health care systems are going to become more and more expensive therefore, we have to develop technologies to essentially introduce and integrate herbal medicine system in our health care.

There is an enormous scope for India also to emerge as a major player in the global herbal product based medicine. Let us hope that drug manufactured in accordance with principles of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani will reach new horizons and make them the best in the world if the quality of the herbal drugs is maintained, efficacy would itself be maintained and then there is nothing to stop them from competing with the modern medicine with added advantages of fewer side effects and lower costs^{. (4)}

Current status of expiry of Homoeopathic medicines

 In India, all Homeopathic medicines except dilutions and back potencies have a maximum of five years' shelf-life, including those supplied to consumers. ⁽⁵⁾

Utilization of India's Homeopathic Resources:

India's extensive Homoeopathic infrastructure, including manpower, institutions, and drug manufac turing industry, presents a valuable resource that can be leveraged to promote homeopathy on a global scale. Other countries can learn from India's experiences in clinical practice, research, and regulatory frameworks to enhance the growth of homeopathy worldwide. ⁽⁶⁾

Conclusion

The many industries of manufacturing Homoeopathic Medicines are having vital role in India for Public Health. Indian homeopathic medicine industry holds great promise for the coming years. It requires continuous innovation, regulatory improvements, and strategic marketing to tap into both domestic and international markets effectively. With the increasing shift towards holistic and natural healing methods, Homoeopathy's role in India's healthcare landscape is likely to expand further.